It’s that time of the annual cycle, where we feebly endeavour to capture the year in a brief but hopefully meaningful way… endeavouring to avoid cliches but failing abysmally.
2023 has certainly been somewhat of a roller-coaster of a ride…
‘twas the best of times ….. full of joy, hope and goals fulfilled; where we celebrated our multicultural diversity and recognised the contributions of so many through the Gala Dinner, the Refugee Awards, the Film Festival and the Multicultural Awards for Excellence.
A year where we celebrated the Commission’s 40th Anniversary, recognising the contributions of so many over the forty years in making multicultural Victoria. A year where we held our first Regional Advisory Council Forum, an opportunity for the more than 200 members to come together, share learnings and feel energised to commence the next phase of focus and actions.
‘twas a time of change ….. fuelling as it does uncertainty, trepidation but also generating considerable hope and a sense of opportunity. At the Commission, we welcomed a new Minister and new commissioners. At the state level we welcomed a new Premier and a new Governor; and informed that we’ll be returning to the Department of Premier and Cabinet in the new year.
yet, ‘twas a time interspersed with incredible and confronting challenges that have encapsulated grief, anxiety and challenges to our social cohesion. At the global level we’ve witnessed various conflicts that have had reverberations on communities here and on our social cohesion.
The VMC’s core remit is about supporting multicultural and multifaith communities to be able to fully participate in all aspects of our society. In that regard cohesion and harmony is an incredibly important element. This is why the Commission and commissioners spend a great deal of time and commitment to engaging and developing relationships with communities, building and embedding longstanding trust.
And over time, we have created a great community because generations of Victorians have chosen cohesion over division. This has placed us well in dealing with difficult issues, like what the current conflict in the Middle East has generated. A conflict that has tested our social cohesion.
However, I believe, like before, we will overcome, for no one should feel unsafe. We’ll continue to promote social cohesion, respect and understanding. We’ll continue to welcome robust conversations and work towards constructive solutions. We have and will continue to condemn all forms of violence, racism and vilification. Together, we will enhance our society where we can all belong and where we embrace our cultural and religious diversity.
As our topsy-turvy 2023 comes to a close, I express my sincere and deep appreciation to each and every one of you for the work you do each and every day, driven by a selfless desire to give and often unheralded.
I express my deep appreciation to those in community leadership positions for that has not been easy. I express my thanks to the many volunteers who spend countless hours promoting cultural diversity, engaging in education, support and advocacy. I wish you all an end of year with lots of love, peace and time well spent with your loved ones.
Finally, I’d like to thank the Commissioners and staff of the VMC, for whilst we are a small team with an incredibly broad brief, we have endeavoured and succeeded in making a positive difference.
Viv Nguyen, Chairperson
News and Events
VIC | VMC | CONGRATULATING | Winners of the MAE!
The Victorian Multicultural Commission recognises outstanding contributions to multiculturalism and diversity across arts, business, education, and more.
Congratulations to all winners and thank you to everyone who helped make the event special!
VIC | GOV | GRANTING | Multicultural media grants program
The Victorian Government has announced that it will support platforms that showcase multicultural Victorians' diverse voices and experiences and a new round of multicultural media grants.
VIC | GOV | OFFERING | Sick pay guarantee
The People and Places Grant Program will provide funding to organisations to deliver activities that increase awareness and participation of eligible workers for the Sick Pay Guarantee in priority communities and locations.
VIC | GOV | RECRUITING | For public boards | applications close 11.59pm Sunday 7 January 2024
The Victorian Government is committed to ensuring that government boards reflect the rich diversity of the Victorian community. The Department of Justice and Community Safety is currently supporting recruiting members for the Justice Human Research Ethics Committee.
AUST | CAGA | SHOWING | Digital photographic exhibition for carer gateway
Ten carers from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds have been featured in a digital photographic exhibition, Real Carers, Real Stories - In Their Own Words, which launched on 1 November 2023. This exhibition sensitively and powerfully depicts the day in the life of a carer, their unique stories, and how Carer Gateway (CAGA) has made a real difference.
VIC | BOITE | SUPPORTING | Artists through promoting understanding and nurturing creativity through music
Founded in 1979, The Boîte is a cornerstone of Victoria's multicultural music scene, The Boîte champions diverse artists and musical experiences, enriching Australia's cultural landscape.